As previously posted on http://mini.mdsbrain.com

The searching needed I found the right thread

Well, where do I start?
My Dad came home Monday evening with a new 2007 Lexus ES350 and told me he got a very good deal on his trade and the new car. So I got intrigued, I went to carmax and got a qoute on the MINI. They low-balled me and I was shocked. I literally laughed in the guy's face when he told me what they offered for my car. The next day I went over to the Lexus dealer and they offered me more money for my car and several thousand off a brand new 2007 LEXUS IS 250AWD. Also the car is saving me $110/month in payments and the insurance is also less. 2 big pluses!










So you might ask What tha #@$%? Well the MINI hasn't been as comfortable and reliable lately and has just started to cost me more and more money to keep it running. I mean its not like it was quitting on me weekly but it was acting like it had a lot more then the 22,600 miles it had. I wasn't very happy and kept spending $ to make it run the way I wanted and keep it looking right. And I am not talking about the mods. I am talking about not scrapping the bumper, the new hole and the need for new tires so often. So after 22,600 miles and almost 18 months of ownership the MINI is now an orphan.


The last pics of the MINI:






The new roof graphic and winter wheels.






Yup...I'm MINI-less.
But let me tell you a bit about the new Lexus. Right now I know you’re laughing and want to say, "Mark you’re an idiot!" The MINI isn't just a MINI; there is a community behind it. You’re DAMN RIGHT!! And the community is what I loved about the MINI so much. The people who take their time to help you understand and learn about your MINI and have a good time. I will not leave them since I got a new car. Heck, I'm going to a MINI event this Saturday :-)


The Lexus has the 2.5L V6 with all-time All Wheel drive and a pretty stiff suspension. No where as tight as the MINI with it's short wheelbase. But it handles very nicely, especially with your foot down and the four wheels grip the road. But beyond that it’s a Lexus with the usual Lexus luxuries like Nav, Bluetooth, backup cam, Paddle shifters for the 6-speed auto, leather and a trunk.


So, feel free to give me hell. And for those who are wondering, I plan to not mod the Lexus. But who knows...

 

To me, most non-Minis all look like Honda Civics. Those cars just don't stand out in a crowd. But, best of luck.

 

I traded cars a lot in my younger days, it happens. Can't quite understand the worry about expense with the MINI since it had so many miles and years left on the warranty.

I do understand wanting something different after a while....Lexus sounds nice....enjoy.

 

Well, the Lexus is nice. One day I'd like to have some nicer cars. But there will always be a Cooper in the stable!

Hopefully your new car will treat you a little better!

 

You'll be back.

 

SHOCKING !

You just had that great graphic installed on the roof, too.

Well... if you had to trade it in, at least you made a nice choice in a new car. Good luck with the Lexus !

 

Say it ain't so! You're always welcome to "motor" with us, Mark... although it will be "driving" in your case from now on... until you come to your senses!

 

mdsbrain...

Well, I'll say this much...your Lexus really looks like a beautiful car. And it looks very comfortable!

Right now, I've got two MINIs in the stable and, of course, a 2003 Ford E-150 Cargo Van. If I can ever pull the funds together, the only other thing I would like is a classic Mini (not sure whether I'd want an S or not).

I will say this, I occasionally take my mother out to Texas in her 2006 BMW 5 Series...and it really is a great ride. I'm sure the Lexus is very similar.

Best of luck with the new car and hope there is another MINI in your future!

Chuck

 

Senses? *sniff* Gosh this leather smells so good And the drive is so nice. But who knows, i'm still young and have alot of life to life to own other cars

 

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooo deep breath nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooo
lol jk... looks like fun. sad to see a devoted mini nut go...

 

Hell given - on your blog

 

you got rid of your car?? After all the mods and stuff? For a Lexus? Ah, the folly of youth. Does that mean you'll let your DCMM membership lapse and we won't see you anymore??

 

Actually our by-laws state that you have to own a MINI to be a member of the club.... :-P

 

Did you say AUTOMATIC?

You will be missed.

 

I plan to stay with DCMM and NAM, the group that has given me so much fun and fond memories. By-laws psst...the club will gladly take my membership dues haha

Yup a auto w/ AWD.

 

Hey good luck with the new car, they are nice. Very much a entry luxury car and very well received. Not at well received as the new Infinity (AFA handling and "feel"), but a very nice car nonetheless.
Every time I drive a Toyota I begin to go numb. They are great cars, but are "appliancelike" to me. Even the relatively little soul that the typical Honda offers is preferable to a Toyota, but you'll find that out , or find out that you actually prefer that in a vehicle. No shame in that

 

Lexus. Just another POS blocking my way on the freeway.

 

+1

 

Yea, and 90% of the modded MINIs started with 'I'm keeping this one stock'

 

Oh no ....
And who's gonna be at the track for Friday test & tune with me next year.
You'll be back.

 

I talk to myself like that on the first week that I got mine. Then,....oh well.

 

I had a Lexus RX-300 in mid 2002 - $40K "baby SUV" super luxurious, super comfy, super bland. "Discovered" MINI, bought one, never used the Lexus again (sold it a month or so later).
It's the "smile" factor for me - still true four+ years later ...

 

When I bought the MINI I had full intentions of modding the heck of out of it and I did

I'll still come and ring out the car. You'll just beat me in the 1/4mile now.

 

Sorry to see that you are now MINIless. Good luck with the Lexus it seems like you are happy with your decision, and that is what matter.
I am sure you will miss the MINI, but that is going to happen.
Have fun with the new toy, uh I mean car.

- KP

 

Funny I sold my Nissan Maxima SE 6spd 300hp for my Mini because I wanted something more fun to drive ( it was quite modded), if you've been spoiled by a Mini I can't help but feel you'll get bored very quickly with the Lexus( and an automatic!) if you are a car nut, good luck 2cents